Whilst Mark ventured across Spain on a bike, Bev was entertained by the Bikies (er!! Bikers) in Le Cap d’Agde in the South of France for their annual rally.

Over 3,000 amazing bikes from all over France & Europe took over the town and created a great atmosphere for a week!!. It’s a rally for Harley Davidsons, Gold Wings Customs and Trikes!! Lionel Chante Johnny was entertaining and performing rock & roll (in French) at the local restaurant with everyone singing, clapping, dancing ….. and of course Bev was dragged onto the dance floor once or twice!!??!

 

There was a group of friendly guys from Grenoble who had ridden their bikes down for the 5 day rally who were also staying at Camping La Clape. Bev was invited to join them for delicious meals of the local speciality – “moules & frites” (mussels and fries). Mussels are very popular on the south coast. This was supplemented with wine and liquers (their own). Bily, a comedian of “Animations Spectacles” (check out www.colubilys.com) was hilarious & entertained us all. Thanks to Guy (from Grenoble) for being my personal French => English translator……. I think I understood some of the jokes & conversations!?!?!

Wonderful walking / bike paths & many different beaches to choose between (White, yellow or black sand) & excellent snorkeling too!!.

 

Boating is big here with 3,500 moored at the marinas!

Have I mentioned dogs?? Everyone has a petit chien …… or 4!?

 

 

Meanwhile ……  on a bike far, far away …… about 1,000 peregrinos (pilgrims) per day were completing their Camino de Santiago. Not many were on bicicletas (bicycles). Starting in Pamplona and finishing in Santiago de Compostela was the route chosen by Mark. The track was tough going, the days were hot or wet – but he persevered and succeeded.

Mark has created a video list of his Camino de Santiago.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist? click here

At various points along the track, there would be a field of little rock piles with a WISH note attached.

The track was often like mountain bike riding. Many hills, washouts, very slow sections.

Modern churches and bridges built by the Romans;  the trip was full of surprises!

The highest point reached was 1500 metres and this was a rainy day.

Some of the sleeping arrangements (my mattress in the corner) at Arbergues

Made it to the end, of course the main Cathedral is under renovation!!!

The most popular or most desired route was marked so you did not take the wrong turn and end up on a motorway or in the wrong town. The WAY MARKERS were many and varied, at times hard to see, but at other times so obvious you couldn’t see the wood for the trees!!

 

 

The certificate is in Latin, it reads:

The CHAPTER of this holy apostolic and metropolitan Church of Compostela, guardian of the seal of the Altar of the blessed Apostle James, in order that it may provide authentic certificates of visitation to all the faithful and to pilgrims from all over the earth who come with devout affection or for the sake of a vow to the shrine of our Apostle St. James, the patron and protector of Spain, hereby makes known to each and all who shall inspect this present document that [Name] has visited this most sacred temple for the sake of pious devotion. As a faithful witness of these things I confer upon him [or her] the present document, authenticated by the seal of the same Holy Church.

Given at Compostela on the [day] of the month of [month] in the year of the Lord [year].

Deputy Canon for Pilgrims

You can view more details including individual videos, photos, map and more info here: CLICK HERE